Ever thought about combining skiing and skating? That’s the idea behind Snowfeet*, a company that created skiskating - a hybrid of skiing and skating designed for packed snow. Their gear is compact, lightweight, and easy to use, making winter sports more accessible and fun.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Skiskates (44 cm): Small, agile, and perfect for groomed slopes or snow parks. These work with ski or snowboard boots and are great for tricks and tight turns. Price: $690.
- Mini Ski Skates (38 cm or 50 cm): Even smaller, they fit regular winter boots and are ideal for beginner slopes or casual rides. Starting at $275.
Both options are portable, fit in a backpack, and are easy to carry - no bulky gear required. Whether you’re into freestyle tricks or just want a simple way to enjoy the snow, Snowfeet* makes it possible.
Ready to hit the slopes with something new? Let’s dive into the details.
1. Snowfeet* Skiskates
Length and Portability
Measuring just 44 cm (17 in.), Snowfeet* Skiskates are a fraction of the size of traditional skis, which typically range from 150–190 cm. Their compact size means you can toss them into a regular backpack - no need for a roof rack or oversized ski bag. This makes them perfect for hike-and-ride adventures: carry them up the trail, strap them on at the top, and carve your way down. As one happy customer, Michele, put it:
"I loved how easy they are to carry in a backpack with their handy waterproof bag! Highly recommended for fun for experts and beginners alike!"
Boot Compatibility
Got ski boots or snowboard boots? Either will work with Snowfeet* Skiskates. The bindings are adjustable and require no tools, making setup quick and easy. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ski boots: Fits US sizes 4.5–14.5
- Snowboard boots: Fits US sizes 6–14.5
One user shared their experience:
"I got the snowboard binding version, so super comfortable in my snowboard boots. Not as fast as regular skis, which might be a good thing as you get older."
This flexibility not only simplifies the setup but ensures you're ready to hit the slopes if you already own either type of boot.
Terrain Use
Snowfeet* Skiskates shine on a variety of terrains. Designed for groomed slopes, snow parks, and moguls, they’re a great choice for areas where traditional skis are used. Their compact size gives you exceptional control, making it easy to maneuver through tight forest trails or narrow paths. However, they’re not built for deep powder, so stick to packed or groomed snow for the best experience.
Trick Potential
If you love tricks, these are a game-changer. The short, parabolic design allows for quick, precise movements, making spins, jumps, and stance shifts feel effortless. Snowfeet* founder Zbyněk shared his thoughts:
"In my opinion, Skiskates is the best product for slopes we developed so far. I love how easy they are to ski and skate and how many different kinds of tricks I can perform without much effort and minimal restrictions."
This freedom to move doesn’t just enhance performance - it also makes them more comfortable. Customer Sunshine Straiges noted:
"I experienced no muscle soreness thanks to the freedom to adjust my leg position, unlike fixed snowboard setups."
Price and Build Quality
The Skiskates (44 CM Wood Core) are priced at $690. That price reflects their high-quality construction, which includes a certified sustainable wood core, a sintered graphite base, and steel metal edges. These features provide durability and control, ensuring they perform well on the slopes while standing up to regular use.
2. Snowfeet* Mini Ski Skates
Length and Portability
The Mini Ski Skates take the concept of combining skiing and skating to a whole new level of portability. Measuring just 38 cm (15 in.) or 50 cm (20 in.), they’re compact enough to fit into a standard daypack. Compare that to traditional alpine skis, which are typically 150–180 cm long and require a roof rack or oversized bag just to transport. These skates are perfect for anyone who values convenience. As Brad Tolin said:
"Also a big plus - they're lightweight and much easier to carry around than full-size skis."
The 38 cm version is all about agility - perfect for quick turns and sharp pivots. Meanwhile, the 50 cm version offers a bit more stability and better handling in softer snow, all while staying much shorter than traditional skis.
Boot Compatibility
Convenience is key here, and the Mini Ski Skates deliver by working with standard waterproof winter boots - the type of boots most people already have in their closet. Unlike the Skiskates, which require ski or snowboard boots, these skates feature universal, adjustable bindings that fit US sizes 6–13. This means you won’t need to invest in special footwear.
For those tackling steeper terrain, pairing the skates with snowboard boots can provide extra stiffness and support. This flexibility not only lowers the cost of getting started but also makes it easier to share a pair with friends or family.
Terrain Use
Mini Ski Skates excel on groomed resort runs, beginner slopes, and snow parks. They handle green and blue runs with ease, and their compact size makes them super controllable at moderate speeds. While they can manage light powder up to about 4 inches (10 cm), they’re not built for deep backcountry snow - less surface area means they’ll sink. Stick to packed or groomed snow, and you’ll enjoy a lively, responsive ride. As NowThis put it:
"WHO NEEDS SKIS WHEN YOU HAVE SNOWFEET?"
This versatility makes them a great choice for freestyle fun.
Trick Potential
The short length of these skates is a game-changer for freestyle enthusiasts. With less rotational inertia, tricks like 180s, 360s, and flat spins are easier to pull off compared to longer skis. The 50 cm model, with its higher tip and tail, also helps with landings on park features and side hits. If you’ve got experience with inline skating, you’ll feel right at home - quick edge-to-edge transitions and playful moves come naturally.
Starting at $275, the Snowfeet* PRO (50 cm) offers a budget-friendly entry point into the Snowfeet* lineup, while still delivering features like real metal edges and a durable base.
Snowfeet* vs. Skiskates Comparison | First Time Review by Snowboarder
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Pros and Cons
Snowfeet Skiskates vs Mini Ski Skates: Side-by-Side Comparison
Snowfeet* offers a fresh twist on winter sports, blending the quick movements of skating with the versatility of skiing. Each product has its strengths, catering to different types of riders. Let’s break down what each option brings to the table - and where it might fall short.
Snowfeet* Skiskates (44 cm) are all about agility. Their compact size makes them easy to carry, and they deliver a unique “ice-skating-on-snow” feel, perfect for groomed slopes and snow parks. Built with a wood core, they’re stiff and responsive, ideal for riders who value precision. However, they demand good balance and aren’t built for high-speed carving or deep snow adventures. As one customer put it:
"Not as fast as regular skis, which might be a good thing as you get older." - heyjerz, Verified Customer
Snowfeet* Mini Ski Skates (50 cm) are the more beginner-friendly option. With a fiberglass flex core, they’re forgiving and easier to handle. Universal bindings make them accessible to almost anyone, and they can manage light powder up to about 4 inches (10 cm). That said, they’re less agile than the 44 cm model and perform best on groomed or packed snow.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two:
| Feature | Skiskates (44 cm) | Mini Ski Skates (50 cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 44 cm (17.3 in.) | 50 cm (19.7 in.) |
| Boot Compatibility | Ski/snowboard boots | Ski, snowboard, or winter boots |
| Best Terrain | Groomed slopes, parks | Slopes, sledding hills, light powder |
| Core Material | Sustainable wood core | Fiberglass flex core |
| Trick Potential | Excellent | Good |
| Stability at Speed | Moderate | Moderate to good |
| Starting Price | From $575 | From $275 |
| Best For | Agility-focused riders with a skating background | Beginners, casual riders, and travelers |
Snowfeet* stands out for its portability and simplicity, especially when compared to traditional ski or snowboard setups. A full ski package from major brands can easily exceed $500 for entry-level gear, not to mention the bulkiness. Both Snowfeet* options are lighter on your wallet and far easier to transport. However, they aren’t designed to replace long carving skis or powder boards. If your goal is to have fun, travel light, and try something new, these trade-offs are worth considering.
Conclusion
Snowfeet* products deliver exactly what they promise: a fun, easy, and hassle-free way to enjoy winter sports - without the headaches of lugging around traditional skis or snowboards.
The Skiskates (44 cm) are perfect if you're after a quick, skate-like experience on groomed slopes or in the park. They’re tailored for riders with a skating background - whether that’s ice hockey, inline, or figure skating - who want to bring that same agility and energy to the snow. Skiskates are all about dynamic moves and are a great choice for advanced riders who love a challenge.
If stability and simplicity are more your style, the Mini Ski Skates (50 cm) are the better pick. These are great for beginner-friendly slopes, packed groomers, or anyone who wants a more relaxed ride. Families, casual snow lovers, or those looking to move away from full rental setups will feel right at home with these. As Snowfeet* says: "Even if you have never skied before, Snowfeet feel so natural that anyone can pick up this sport."
Snowfeet* is changing the game by blending the best parts of skiing and skating into compact, portable gear. Traditional setups can cost over $500 and require tons of effort to transport. In contrast, Snowfeet* starts at $275 and skips the bulky gear entirely. Whether you’re chasing tricks or just want a quick and easy snow adventure, Snowfeet* makes it possible. It’s a fresh way to enjoy winter sports - light, portable, and ready to go whenever you are.
FAQs
Do most ski resorts allow Snowfeet*?
Yes, most ski resorts in the U.S. welcome Snowfeet skiskates. They’re built with metal edges and bindings similar to standard skis, so they meet the requirements for lifts and groomed runs. If anyone questions them, just point out their design - it’s basically like traditional ski equipment. You can hit the slopes with confidence, knowing Snowfeet work perfectly with modern resort setups, including terrain parks. Enjoy!
Are Snowfeet* safe for knees and ankles?
Snowfeet are built with safety and simplicity in mind. Their short length helps minimize strain on your legs when you take a tumble - something that’s a bit harder to avoid with traditional skis. Plus, their lightweight and compact design make them much easier to handle, which is a big win for beginners. Another bonus? Snowfeet encourage a natural, hip-width stance, giving you better balance and a more comfortable experience compared to the stiff posture that bulky, traditional gear often demands.
How hard is it to stop on Skiskates or Mini Ski Skates?
Stopping on skiskates or mini ski skates is straightforward, mainly because they're lightweight and highly responsive. Their design makes it easy to control your speed and come to a stop quickly, offering more agility compared to traditional skis or snowboards. Whether you're just starting out or have plenty of experience on the slopes, these are a great option for managing your movements with ease.
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